HSE boss apologises to Harvey’s parents for being ‘let down’ by system

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

The chief of the HSE has apologised to the parents of Harvey Morrison Sherratt for their experience of being “let down by the healthcare system”.

The case of the nine-year-old, who had scoliosis and spina bifida, has featured prominently in media reports and political debate over the summer and into the resumption of the Dáil.

His parents, Stephen Morrison and Gillian Sherratt, said their son waited years for spinal surgery, during which time the curve in his spine went from 75 degrees to 130 degrees.

By the time Harvey received spinal surgery last December, the curve had reached the point where it could not be fully corrected.

That is something I very much regret as the head of the health service, and for which today I do want to apologise to them

The curve caused his rib cage to twist around his lungs and heart, severely restricting his breathing.

Harvey died on July 29th.

Speaking at the Health Committee on Wednesday, HSE chief executive Bernard Gloster said he had reached out to Harvey’s parents and is willing to meet them.

He added: “I’m aware that the minister is also due to meet Gillian and Stephen, and I’ll await the outcome of that to inform any next steps.

“Notwithstanding any review, I can clearly see from the accounts given by Harvey’s parents that they have a lived experience of him being let down by the healthcare system.

“That is something I very much regret as the head of the health service, and for which today I do want to apologise to them.”